Electric briefs: Latest from Myenergi, Swarco, VRA, Allstar, Europcar, BP Pulse and Chargy

Failure to equalise VAT on public charging a ‘missed opportunity’

The Government’s decision to not lower the VAT rate for public charging and incentivise electric vehicle (EV) sales has been criticised by Myenergi.

Jordan Brompton (pictured), co-founder and chief marketing officer at Myenergi, said: “It’s deeply frustrating to hear that the Government has once again turned a blind eye to positive, proactive incentives to further accelerate UK EV adoption.

“More importantly still, it means that those reliant on public charging, with no access to off-street parking and no opportunity to charge at home (an estimated 24.6% of Brits), will experience far higher costs when it comes to running an electric car.

“This will clearly play a key part in consumer decision making when it comes to buying an EV and has the real possibility of slowing the transition to electrification.”

Brompton explained that, despite faltering Government support, there is still work underway to tackle the issue head on. “One such area is the development of through-street charging solutions, which use pavement channels to provide access to a home charger, despite being parked on-street,” she said.

“If the Government will not take action on the cost of public charging, it should throw its full support behind state-of-the-art through-street charging solutions, as offered by companies including Kerbo Charge. This includes removing the barriers to the technology’s widespread deployment (including any objections from local authorities).

“After all, this will help EV drivers without access to driveways enjoy the financial, practical and sustainable benefits of charging at home. If we’re serious about meeting targets and transitioning towards an all-electric car parc, this is sensible, pragmatic and beneficial step.”

Swarco Smart Charging rebrands to Evolt Charging 

Swarco Smart Charging (SSC) is rebranding its systems and service business to Evolt Charging to reflect how its market proposition has evolved.

It also recognises its heritage in a name that launched its EV charging business more than 14 years ago. 

Anne Buckingham, managing director of Evolt Charging, says that now is a good time for the turnkey service business to reaffirm its position in the market and its commitment to its people.

“When the ‘eVolt’ brand first appeared on EV charging stations in 2010, it was one of the true pioneers in the industry,” she explained.  

“Today, we are proud of the business that we have built around the founding principles of innovation and passion. Critically, we’re proud of the quality of the teams that have grown with us, committed to our belief in a collaborative culture and improving sustainable transportation.”  

Evolt Charging remains part of Swarco Smart Charging as a legal entity, and the team will continue to support local authorities across the UK as well as a growing number of charge point operator (CPO) customers to launch, operate and grow their own charging networks.

VRA whitepaper on future EV technology

Forthcoming advances in electric vehicles (EVs) are the focus of a new white paper from the Vehicle Remarketing Association (VRA).

Called “The Future of Electric Vehicle Technology”, it has been written by battery electrochemist Euan McTurk, creator and presenter of Plug Life Television, a YouTube channel about EVs.

It covers topics including diversification of battery chemistries, longer-range batteries, more efficient packaging, lighter batteries, more efficient and cheaper batteries and motors, more ethical and safer batteries, plug and play charging, faster and wireless charging, battery swapping, 48-volt auxiliary systems, AI and electrochemistry, and vehicle to grid charging.

Philip Nothard, VRA chair, said: “This latest instalment is in some ways the most interesting, looking at likely short and medium term advances in EV technology.

“Much of this involves batteries, of course, but we also look at infrastructure and general EV operation. A lot is likely to happen in the next few years, and the document provides a really good overview.”

Details about downloading the new white paper and the others in the VRA EV series can be found at https://thevra.co.uk/resources/.

New report highlights Europcar’s sustainability journey

A new report, ‘Plugged into Sustainability’, highlights the key landmarks Europcar Mobility Group UK’s sustainability journey and demonstrates how it is helping businesses and private motorists make the transition to zero emissions mobility.

Europcar customers drove more than 3.5 million electric vehicle (EV) miles in 2023, with 50,000 more EV rental days driven year-on-year and 99.5% of Europcar’s corporate customers having access to EVs.

Europcar says that 12% of the rental fleet is now electrified - a year-on-year increase of 379%, while 25% of delivery and collection journeys use electric cars and bikes.

“We are committed to helping businesses and private motorists make the change from ICE to electric, through innovative tech-based solutions, electrification across our network, and a growing range of low and zero emission vehicles”, explained Mark Newberry, commercial director and sustainability spokesperson, Europcar Mobility Group UK.

“And we do not just ‘talk the talk’, we also ‘walk the walk’, with our rental fleet increasingly electrified as well as the integration of EVs into our own operations, such as for our delivery and collection service.”

The full report, ‘Plugged into Sustainability’, includes detailed insight into Europcar’s own sustainability journey, and how it is helping businesses reduce their fleet emissions. It is available to download here. 

Allstar Co-Pilot app relaunches to include EV charging payment capabilities

Allstar is providing access to public EV charging via its Allstar Co-Pilot app, a digital alternative to tapping a card to make a payment.

Allstar Chargepass customers can register their card in the app to pay for charging at the majority of charge points on the Allstar network directly through the app.

They can also now easily locate nearby EV charge points and receive real-time information about their availability.

For those managing more than one type of vehicle, whether EV or traditional fuel, businesses and drivers can use a single app that will show them all their Allstar accepting sites across the country. As with the full range from Allstar, any charging paid for through the app will be consolidated into a HMRC-compliant invoice.

Ashley Tate, MD of Allstar Chargepass UK, said: “Payments is a constantly evolving space with new technologies emerging all the time, and the way people are making payments is changing too. That’s why it was important to provide alternative payment methods with the additional functionalities that the revamped Allstar Co-Pilot app offers.”

BP Pulse and the Lincolnshire Co-op team up to boost EV charging

BP Pulse and the Lincolnshire Co-op have recently installed 32 new rapid 50 kW charging bays, bringing the total BP Pulse charge points at Lincolnshire Co-op stores to 60.

Almost all have been installed in extra-wide bays to ensure customers who need it have extra room to charge.

Andrew Turner, procurement and sustainability advisor at Lincolnshire Co-op, said: “Looking to the future, we’d like to further increase the availability of EV chargers to ensure coverage across Lincolnshire and the surrounding counties.”

Akira Kirton, vice president of BP Pulse UK, said: “Collaboration is going to be key to accelerating the EV transition. By partnering with Lincolnshire Co-op, we’re putting chargers in the places our customers need them.”

Chargy hits new charge point milestone

Chargy has reached a significant milestone by installing its 3,000th EV charging point in the London borough of Lambeth.

Chargy offers councils an end-to-end partnership service, covering infrastructure planning, installation, and ongoing maintenance.

Since the installation of its first public charge point in Marlow, Buckinghamshire in 2018, Chargy is now capable of deploying 400 charge points a month.

John Lewis, Chargy CEO, said: "Our aim is to level the playing field for EV adoption by creating parity between drivers that have access to off-street parking and those that don't.

“With the installation of our 3,000th charge point and our ambitious growth plans, Chargy is playing an ever more important role in encouraging more people to embrace EVs and contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.”